Eleuthera—The Isle of Freedom

H. G. Christie Ltd. is the Exclusive Affiliate in the Bahamas

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Located 200 miles from Florida and 60 miles from Nassau, Eleuthera is just over a mile wide and 110 miles long. This island in the Bahamas is known for its sailing races, pink-sand beaches, and the Glass Window Bridge. In the village of Governor's Harbour lies French Leave Beach, where residents live in Victorian-era houses and villas. The main settlements of Eleuthera include the pastel cottages and palm-lined streets in Spanish Wells; the captivating town of Harbour Island with its white picket fences and old established churches; the modern city of Rock Sound, which is home to the elegant Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina; and the fishing village of Tarpum Bay. Connected to Eleuthera by a bridge is Windermere Island, a pristine retreat for the well-to-do with its beachfront homes and condominiums-and home to miles of, what many consider, the best beach in the Bahamas. From large estate properties, secluded oceanfront homes, and prime beachfront lots, Eleuthera is a perfect island paradise....

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Blessed with pink-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves, and a natural bridge—the Glass Window—that divides the pounding Atlantic and the clear, calm Gulf. Few areas in the world can rival the natural beauty of this island. Eleuthera is easy to get to, hard to leave, and impossible to forget.

In 1649, English dissidents in search of religious freedom shipwrecked on the shores of this enchanting island and called it Eleuthera, from the Greek word for "freedom." Centuries later, Eleuthera is still liberating all those who come.

Located 200 miles from Florida and only 60 miles east of Nassau, Eleuthera is just over a mile wide and 110 miles long. The main settlements of this quaint island are Governor's Harbour, Rock Sound, Tarpum Bay, Harbour Island, and Spanish Wells. With direct flights from the U.S. to three airports—the North Eleuthera Airport, Governor's Harbour Airport, and the Rock Sound Airport—Eleuthera is quite easily reached.

Eleuthera is also the site of three major annual sailing regattas: the South Eleuthera Homecoming and Regatta held in April, the All Eleuthera Regatta held in Governor's Harbour the first week in August, and the North Eleuthera Regatta held on October 12th—Discovery Day. These sailing races bring visitors to Eleuthera to watch the fast and exciting events and to enjoy onshore activities in a carnival-like atmosphere.

Eleuthera is blessed with pink-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, sheltered coves, and a bridge—the Glass Window—that divides the pounding Atlantic and the clear, calm Gulf. Few areas in the world can rival the natural beauty of this island. The storybook settlements in Harbour Island and Spanish Wells are equally inviting and draw thousands of tourists each year.

The place to start exploring Eleuthera is the place where it all began—Preacher's Cave, where the first settlers took refuge and held religious services.

A short ferry ride takes you to pastel cottages and palm-lined streets. This is Spanish Wells, named for the Spanish ships that once replenished their fresh water here. Aside from sightseeing, the fishing and diving here are excellent. There is even an unusual sunken train wreck to explore.

Harbour Island is also a close, captivating town with homes dating to 1790, the Bahamas' oldest established churches, white picket fences, stunning pink-sand beaches, and residents who extend a friendly wave to passersby. With tennis, fishing, diving, waterskiing, and bicycling, there are always activities to keep you busy. There are properties available here that have spectacular views of the ocean and the sheltered bay, as well as prime beachfront lots.

Back on the main island of Eleuthera, Gregory Town, set atop a cliff, is home of the sweet, juicy Bahamian pineapple. To celebrate its pineapple history, Eleuthera has a yearly pineapple festival where you can tour the pineapple farms and enjoy craft displays and pineapple recipe contests. Try a glass of the Gregory Town special, a fine pineapple rum. During the festival, a Pineathalon is held where athletes compete in a difficult swim, bike, and road race. Visitors become wrapped up in the excitement of the entire island as it prepares for the festival.

Nearby, descend into The Cave, where magnificent columns and intricate passageways appear as underground cathedrals. Governor's Harbour is to the south. Once a thriving farming community, it is now a charming Victorian village with homes that date back to 1850. Between Palmetto Point and Tarpum Bay lies Windermere Island, a pristine retreat for the well-to-do with miles of what many consider to be the best beach in the Bahamas. The only access to this community is over a single bridge that is monitored by 24-hour security. Here, there are beachfront homes, condos, and lots for sale.

Rock Sound is a thoroughly modern town with well-provisioned stores, fine dining, and one of the most elegant resorts in the Bahamas. The Rock Sound Airport has been recently refurbished and resurfaced as well.